BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University Department of Music has announced a scheduling change for the 40th annual Madrigal Dinners.

The previously-announced Thursday, Dec. 4 show has been cancelled, and replaced with a Friday, Dec. 12 performance.

Performances of this Yuletide tradition of northern Minnesota will be held Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, and Friday-Saturday, Dec. 12-13, in the Beaux Arts Ballroom of the Hobson Memorial Union. The Sunday, Dec. 7 performance will be a 5:00 p.m. matinee. All other performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

Singers will recreate the atmosphere of a Renaissance feast once held in English castles, bringing to life the regal pageantry and ceremonial pomp of Merrie Olde England. The evening features performances of the king’s players, the royal court, beggars, minstrels, trouveres, cellar keepers and members of the royal kingdom while guests enjoy a five-course dinner.

The Madrigal Dinners were founded at BSU under the tenure of Dr. Paul Brandvik, professor emeritus of vocal music. The tradition caught on with audiences and is now performed by various groups across the country.

Tickets for the Madrigal Dinners at Bemidji State University are now available at the Madrigal Dinner Office in room 223 of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.

All seating is at round tables to enhance the comfort of the audiences. The cost is $35 per person.

Tickets are available only through advanced sale and can be purchased by mail or in person at the Madrigal Dinner box office.

Box office hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information call the Bemidji State University Department of Music at (218) 755-3406.